Would You Strip for Beauty Salon Treatments?

The economy sucks, but that doesn't mean your blowouts, facials or waxes should be the first to go

In a down economy (no, it doesn't seem to be over -- yet) it is surprising to learn the lengths women will go to in order to maintain their beauty. It shows just how powerful appearance truly is. When we look great, we feel great, right? Well, this is the main reason why many women have opted to do things like ... take on a second job, create payment plans with doctors' offices for cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures and even ... strip, so that they can still get regular facials, Botox, hair straightening treatments -- you name it!

If you don't believe that these things are actually happening (or even if you do), you must check out these stories. We heard them from experts in various beauty businesses (beauty salons, spas, dermatology and plastic surgery offices), and directly from women who were willing to divulge their secrets (anonymously, of course).

What do you think? Would you or are you taking similar measures in order to keep up regular hair cut or color appointments? Or indulge in massages or luxurious manicures and pedicures? Or do you think this is all crazy talk? We'd love to know, so please share by commenting on this story.